National writer: Rangers are odds-on favorites to sign Prince Fielder

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MCT

EVAN GRANT'S TOP FREE AGENTS FITS FOR THE RANGERS: Prince Fielder, 1B: The second-biggest name among free-agent hitters. The Rangers would prefer to simply go with the much cheaper and younger Mitch Moreland at first and believe that his wrist tendinitis was the reason for a downward spiral in the second half. Fielder would give the Rangers a hedge in case Josh Hamilton leaves via free agency after 2012. Thinking of Fielder's left-handed bat in Arlington might leave some opposing pitchers breathless.

Under the direction of GM Jon Daniels, the Rangers have always been tight-lipped about their targets in free agency. Which is why nobody is counting Texas out of the race to sign Prince Fielder, the best hitter left on the free agent market, despite indications from club officials that his asking price might be too high.

"They have a superb team, ridiculous lineup and a great hitters park, all attributes that could lure Fielder," Heyman wrote.

In all likelihood, Fielder figures to be asking for a contract of at least six to eight years, which could be a stumbling block for a Rangers front office that is keen on maintaining financial flexibility for the next few seasons. But, Heyman says, the Rangers have proven willing to make exceptions in the past.

"Club president Nolan Ryan, who never wanted to go beyond five years for Cliff Lee, hasn't seemed the type to consider deals of eight years or longer," Heyman wrote. "But he did go big last year with a late-in-the-winter five-year, $80 million deal for third baseman Adrian Beltre, so there is precedent for a surprise."

Back in November, Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan publicly shot down the notion of offering Fielder an eight-year contract, and even Heyman admits that the Rangers aren't hot after the first baseman right now.

"They aren't even completely in the game yet," Heyman wrote. "But if the Rangers get in, look out."

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